CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is looking to strengthen its presence in college basketball as it faces some challenges regarding NCAA Tournament bids. During this year’s media day events, coaches and officials discussed the importance of improving the league’s image and performance leading into the upcoming season.
Recent years have seen the ACC struggle to secure ample spots in the NCAA Tournament despite its impressive track record, which includes numerous Final Four appearances and victories. The conference recorded just five tournament bids for three consecutive seasons, the lowest since expanding beyond 12 teams.
Syracuse coach Adrian Autry expressed frustration, noting, “We have to get a fair amount of teams into the tournament for that national respect.” He emphasized that when ACC teams do make it to the tournament, they often perform well, raising questions about the current evaluation metrics used for bids.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips highlighted the need for a shift in strategy. Much of the focus this season will be on enhancing nonconference schedules to improve overall team resumes. Schools like N.C. State and Pittsburgh are already working on challenging matchups against top-tier teams to bolster their strength of schedule.
Moreover, the conference is keen to see former powerhouse programs like Syracuse and Louisville regain their competitive edge, which would benefit the entire league’s visibility. Louisville coach Pat Kelsey acknowledged that the success of big-name programs helps the conference as a whole.
On a positive note, the return of star players such as North Carolina’s RJ Davis and the arrival of newcomers like Duke’s touted freshman Cooper Flagg brings excitement to the league. Davis stated, “We just have to continue to keep doing what we’re doing as a conference, and I think people start to notice a little bit more.”
As the ACC moves forward, the focus will be on building momentum from the start of the season in November through to March. The hope is to change the narrative surrounding the conference with improved performances both in and out of regular season play. Winning games and making noise in the postseason will be crucial for the ACC to rebuild its reputation and secure more NCAA Tournament invitations.
